WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Tracking Purdue’s offense after three games and heading into Saturday’s Big Ten opener against No. 8 Michigan:

ONE TAKEAWAY

If Jeff Brohm wanted to run the offense the way Jeff Brohm wanted to run the offense, the Boilermakers would throw for 500 yards every game. One day, maybe that will happen.

But the beauty of Brohm is he’s adapted to the talent on the roster and hasn’t tried to force his system on players who aren’t ready to handle it. That’s why Purdue’s offense is still developing, despite scoring at least 28 points in its first three games. The 107 points are the most in the first three games since 2012.

That means more emphasis on the running game while still looking for opportunities through the air. It also would suggest there’s more room for this offense to grow as the season continues.

“I think our guys are understanding what to do more,” Brohm said. “I think if we can get our guys to all know exactly what to do, to be able to have quick recall when they think of a play, react better and then we'll have a better chance”

Quarterback David Blough has a simple answer to the work in progress question.

“It may have looked like a work in progress all spring and all fall because of one heck of a defense we’ve got over there,” he said. “It’s hard to practice against those guys every day.”

Purdue missed opportunities to score more points against Missouri but still had 35. The Boilermakers missed two field goals, didn’t score after the Tigers fumbled a punt and Blough overthrew Gregory Phillips on a deep route.

The running game, though, is helping.

Purdue has rushed for more than 200 yards in consecutive games for the first time since 2012. As much as Brohm wants to throw the ball, running the ball has been a strength as a head coach.

In three seasons at Western Kentucky and two games with the Boilermakers, his teams are 17-1 when gaining at least 200 yards on the ground.

“Right now in order to succeed and win, we've got to have balance,” Brohm said. “We can't rely on our passing game to win us games. Probably not going to happen. We have to be able to run the football, play action, be able to move in the pocket, misdirection, take a few shots here and there and be smart with it.”

TRENDING UP

Red zone. Now 13-for-13 with 10 touchdowns. Only Big Ten team still perfect inside the 20-yard line.

Running game. Averaging 234 yards the last two games.

TRENDING DOWN

Sacks. Gave up three against Missouri. Don’t hold the offensive line responsible for all three.

Field goals: Spencer Evans and J.D. Dellinger are a combined 0 of 3 away from Ross-Ade Stadium.

3 QUESTIONS

Is Brohm ready to stick with Blough as his starting quarterback?

Will running back Markell Jones return Saturday or not until Oct. 7 against Minnesota?

Is receiver Terry Wright ready to emerge as a go-to player?

LOOKING AHEAD

There’s more upside with the offense after three games just because of the inexperience Brohm and his staff started with before the season. But you can see different wrinkles and schemes added each week, trying to create mismatches and produce big plays. The Boilermakers will have to win some one-on-one matchups, and not just at receiver against this talented Michigan defense. The Wolverines are featuring different looks and will try to force Blough and Elijah Sindelar into mistakes.